Arts and entertainment reports from The Times, national and international news services and the nation’s press.

POP/ROCK

Drug Charge Dropped: A Pasadena judge on Tuesday dismissed a cocaine and heroin possession case against Stone Temple Pilots lead singer Scott Weiland, citing the rocker’s progress in a drug treatment program. The hearing followed Weiland’s release from Impact House, where he had been ordered in April to spend four to six months under 24-hour supervision. Weiland had been charged with possession in May 1995, and charges were to have been dropped after a yearlong probation. The singer admitted using drugs again months later, however, prompting his admission to the rehabilitation center. The Stone Temple Pilots start a national concert tour on Monday at Universal Amphitheatre (they also play Nov. 8 at Irvine Meadows).

TELEVISION

Media Access Winners: ABC’s “High Incident” and the canceled CBS series “Louie” were named best drama and comedy series, respectively, during the 15th Media Access Awards Tuesday in Universal City. Other winners--honored by the Governor’s Committee for Employment of Disabled Persons for “contributing to integration and employment of people with disabilities in the entertainment industry”--included PBS’ “Look Who’s Laughing” and “The Puzzle Place,” ABC’s “Cries From the Heart” and “Positive: A Journey Into AIDS,” and CBS’ “The Guiding Light.” “Mr. Holland’s Opus” was named the best feature film.

STAGE

Cast Miserable: In a move believed to be unprecedented on Broadway, the directors and producer of “Les Miserables” have pink-slipped most of the show’s current cast in an effort to refresh the long-running production. In letters signed by co-director John Caird and producer Cameron Mackintosh, 12 cast members were let go while another nine were told that their future is uncertain (they may be asked back, but in diminished roles, a spokesman for the show said). Nine actors were asked to return, but of those, only one is considered a starring role (the spokesman declined, however, to name the specific actor or role). The new cast debuts March 12, “Les Miz’s” 10th anniversary on Broadway.

ART

Getty Goes to Germany: The Los Angeles-based Getty Grant Program has given $222,000 to the Aachen Cathedral in Germany to stabilize its crumbling structure. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture completed in 1414 and distinguished by soaring ceilings and glass-paned walls, the cathedral has been the site of spectacular coronations and pilgrimages, but has been weakened by fire, weather and World War II bombings.

EVENTS

Halloween Treats: Perry Farrell and Porno for Pyros will broadcast their Halloween concert at the Mayan Theatre over the Internet at several sites, including https://www.wbr.com/pornoforpyros and https://www.teeth.net. The event begins Thursday at 7 p.m. . . . Elvira, “mistress of the dark,” will swap ghost stories during an America Online chat, tonight at midnight (Keyword: Life). . . . Cross-dressing diva RuPaul will give a free Halloween performance and then sign autographs Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Virgin Megastore on Sunset Boulevard. . . . Once again this year, KNX-AM (1070) will celebrate Halloween by airing Orson Welles’ radio drama “War of the Worlds,” Thursday at 9 p.m.

QUICK TAKES

There’s more than fatherhood on the mind of Carlos Leon, the proud daddy of Madonna’s baby, Lourdes. He’s guest starring on CBS’ “Nash Bridges,” in an episode tentatively scheduled to air Dec. 13. He plays the owner of a car-detailing shop. . . . CBS’ new comedy “Ink” dropped to a disappointing 16% of available prime-time viewers in its second airing Monday, down from an 18% share for its “Cosby” lead-in. The Ted Danson show’s rating fell by 11% compared to its premiere. . . . Pop star Michael Jackson will give a rare TV interview to cable’s VH1, airing Nov. 10 at 2 p.m., with repeats scheduled for 7 and 11 p.m. Questions will be culled from fan queries posed via the Internet (https://vh1.com) and an 800 number, (800) 999-5983. . . . Disney’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” will be released on video on March 4, for a suggested retail price of $26.99. . . . Lucy Lawless, the star of “Xena: Warrior Princess” who broke her pelvis Oct. 8 while taping NBC’s “Tonight Show With Jay Leno,” makes her first public appearance since the horse-riding accident on--where else?--today’s “Tonight Show.” . . . Pop singer Paula Abdul wed sportswear manufacturer Brad Beckerman on Friday at the Four Seasons Hotel. Abdul, 34, divorced actor Emilio Estevez in 1994.